Why we lost to Aston Villa — Man City boss Guardiola explains

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola suggested that a questionable refereeing call contributed to his team's disappointing 1-0 loss away to Aston Villa on Sunday.

The decisive goal came from Matty Cash, who capitalized on a corner-kick delivery that Guardiola alluded was controversial. The result leaves City six points adrift of Premier League leaders Arsenal.

Speaking after the match, Guardiola focused primarily on his team's performance shortcomings but subtly hinted at the decision.

"In the first half, the pressing wasn’t good; in the second half, it was better. We were not aggressive enough," he admitted. Regarding the goal, he initially described it simply.

“It was a corner. A good corner and a goal."However, he quickly introduced an ambiguous defense of the officials while simultaneously excusing his team from complaining about the buildup.

“Listen, it doesn’t matter. We can talk about this reaction," Guardiola said. "Listen, in 10 years, already here I respect the referees too much. It was a corner, and we should’ve defended that.

You cannot complain about actions from five minutes before."

He concluded by placing the ultimate blame on City's failure to convert their own opportunities: "We had the chances to score, we couldn’t do it. We will improve.”